Russia-Islamic World Meeting Kicks Off in Jeddah

The event includes 33 state and public figures from 27 Muslim countries, including ex-prime ministers, former ministers of foreign affairs and religious figures from the Islamic world (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The event includes 33 state and public figures from 27 Muslim countries, including ex-prime ministers, former ministers of foreign affairs and religious figures from the Islamic world (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Russia-Islamic World Meeting Kicks Off in Jeddah

The event includes 33 state and public figures from 27 Muslim countries, including ex-prime ministers, former ministers of foreign affairs and religious figures from the Islamic world (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The event includes 33 state and public figures from 27 Muslim countries, including ex-prime ministers, former ministers of foreign affairs and religious figures from the Islamic world (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Strategic Vision Group meeting between Russia and the Islamic world kicked off on Wednesday in Jeddah under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman.

Held under the theme “Dialogue and Prospects for Cooperation,” the meeting will include a broad participation of officials and scholars, and intellectuals from the Russian Federation and Islamic countries to discuss common issues and enhance cooperation in addressing the existing challenges.

The event includes 33 state and public figures from 27 Muslim countries, including former prime ministers, former ministers of foreign affairs and many religious figures from the Islamic world.

This meeting comes within the framework of Russia’s efforts to strengthen its relations with the Islamic world, in light of the Kingdom’s initiative for dialogue between followers of religions and cultures.

Saudi Arabia is hosting this meeting for the second time after the fourth session was also held in Jeddah in 2008.

The group currently focuses on developing measures to strengthen long-term cooperation between Russia and Islamic countries and practical implementation of the strategic partnership.

The Group was established in 2006 under the supervision of Evgeny Maksimovich Primakov and Mintimer Sharipovich Shaimiev after the Russian Federation joined the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) as an observer member. The group held its first meeting in 2006 in Moscow, followed by the meetings in Kazan, Istanbul, Jeddah and Kuwait.

Ufa of the Republic of Bashkortostan hosted the last meeting on November 28-30, 2019, under the theme “Interfaith harmony ... The Experience of Russia and the Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.”



Saudi Crown Prince, French President Discuss Regional Developments 

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)
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Saudi Crown Prince, French President Discuss Regional Developments 

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received on Monday a telephone call from French President Emmanuel Macron.

They discussed regional and international developments and ongoing efforts to achieve security and stability.

They reviewed bilateral relations and the existing cooperation between their two countries in a number of fields, in addition to discussing several issues of common interest.


Kuwait Revokes Citizenship of Tareq Al Suwaidan

Preacher Tareq Al Suwaidan 
Preacher Tareq Al Suwaidan 
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Kuwait Revokes Citizenship of Tareq Al Suwaidan

Preacher Tareq Al Suwaidan 
Preacher Tareq Al Suwaidan 

Kuwait has revoked the citizenship of 24 people, including prominent preacher Tareq Al Suwaidan, according to an official decree published in the Kuwait Al-Youm gazette.

Decree No. 227 of 2025 stated that Al Suwaidan’s Kuwaiti nationality, along with that of any dependents who obtained it through him, is to be withdrawn.

The decree was issued from Seif Palace and signed by the Emir, Sheikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, upon the recommendation of the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior and after Cabinet approval.

The order did not cite the legal grounds for the decision, though Kuwaiti authorities have previously said citizenship may be revoked in cases involving fraud, criminal activity or threats to state security.

About 60,000 people have been stripped of nationality since the establishment of the Higher Committee for Citizenship Affairs in Kuwait.

Born in 1953, Al Suwaidan is rather considered a media figure affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood than as a thinker and researcher in Islamic history and personal development.

He moved to the United States at age 17, where he spent two decades and earned a PhD.

Earlier, Al Suwaidan has faced accusations of insulting sister countries, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

On July 30, 2024, the Criminal Court has acquitted Al Suwaidan of insulting the two states, but the Public Prosecutor later appealed the verdict

 


‘Islamic Coalition’ Launches Training to Bolster Tactical Intelligence Capabilities

The five-day program runs from December 7 to 11. (IMCTC)
The five-day program runs from December 7 to 11. (IMCTC)
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‘Islamic Coalition’ Launches Training to Bolster Tactical Intelligence Capabilities

The five-day program runs from December 7 to 11. (IMCTC)
The five-day program runs from December 7 to 11. (IMCTC)

The Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) launched in Riyadh on Sunday its specialized program titled “Tactical Intelligence,” with the participation of 22 trainees from 11 member states.

Offered by Saudi Arabia, the program includes a set of advanced training modules covering the concept and cycle of tactical intelligence, decision-making support requirements, as well as information analysis methods, said IMCTC.

The five-day program, running from December 7 to 11, aims to develop participants’ skills in intelligence analysis, assessing intelligence and supporting military operations to counter modern security challenges.

Participating countries include Burkina Faso, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Jordan, Nigeria, Guinea, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Morocco, Pakistan and Senegal.

IMCTC Secretary General Maj. Gen. Mohammed al-Moghedi said the training is part of a strategic vision that aims to build sustainable abilities and raise the readiness of military cadres of the member countries to boost their capabilities in countering challenges and various terrorist threats.

He praised the support from Saudi Arabia, where the IMCTC is based, saying the training programs are being fully funded by the Kingdom, which underscores is pioneering role and firm commitment to supporting security and stability.